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Sunday, October 17, 2010

Tomato Jam - India Here We Come

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...As you read this, I'll be on the first leg of a journey that will take me to India, Nepal and Tibet, and as you might suspect, I am euphoric. Because I travel lightly and will be gone for such a long time, I've pre-scheduled new posts for each day that I'm away. Think of them as a bribe to keep you returning to my table. Preparation of the thirty odd recipes I'll be featuring has kept me very busy and I've been a poor correspondent for the last week or so. I hope you understand and forgive my radio silence. While I'm not traveling with a computer, I'll have about 30 minutes each morning when I'll have one at my disposal, so I'll at least be able to read your comments and, hopefully, reply to a few of them. I can't promise much more than that. I can promise regular visits once I'm home. Right now, I'm much like a child on Christmas Eve. Despite miles already traveled and place already seen, I find it difficult to curb my enthusiasm at the beginning of a journey. I'm not a blasé traveler and I approach each new adventure with an open heart and mind, and, the Silver Fox, cynic that he is, would add, an open wallet. I once knew a child who had a runaway imagination and even larger dreams. She was fascinated by the Himalayas and a place called Kathmandu, a spot she had found on the dogeared map she'd study for amusement. The strangeness of its name stayed with her and she knew she find and visit it someday. That day - her day - has come. Wish her Godspeed, please. Hugs and blessings...Mary

While getting the house ready for our departure, I came across several pounds of tomatoes that had to be used. I normally would have sent them down the hill to a neighbor, but that wouldn't work this time as that neighbor had sent them up the hill to me earlier in the week. I'm sure you get the picture. Fortunately, I'd been holding onto Mark Bittman's recipe for tomato jam and this was a perfect time to try it. There, literally, is nothing to this recipe and I found it make a wonderful condiment. I sent the tomatoes back down the hill in a jam jar. This may become our fruitcake thing. Here's the recipe.

Directions:1) Combine all ingredients in a heavy medium saucepan, Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.2) Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture has consistency of thick jam, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then cool and refrigerate until ready to use; this will keep at least a week. Yield: About 1 pint.

What a journey you have planned . . . it is easy picturing you enjoying every moment. It will be fun to see how it will influence your cooking when you return. You are in an area of the world with great spices.

You are too sweet to prewrite all those posts. . . we would have been here when you return, anyway!

You've surprised me again with something I've never heard of, tomato jam. How very exciting for you, and after reading your story, I am even more excited for you. I hope your trip is everything you hoped and more! And I hope you eat and laugh and love your way through it the whole time!! I will also pray for safety while you are there and safe travel.

Mary, I'm finally home after some complications and Allie is helping me type. I am so very thrilled for you my friend- you are living this little girl's dream. Godspeed and I wish you many wonderful adventures and safe travelsxoxo Pattie (and Allie)

I am right along with you--window seat please--and can't wait to hear about what I would have seen if I were actually there. I'll look forward to all your posts. Don't even concern yourself with leaving me a comment because you couldn't shake me loose with a ten foot pole!!

congratulations for realizing a life-long dream and we all look forward to reading about your special journey. I am certain that it will be filled with wonder and mystery, and life-changing experiences. All best thoughts, Nancy

What a dream trip, Mary. I wish you a wonderful time and look forward to hearing all sorts of stories when you return. I hope you'll capture some of what you do in pictures to share with us. I read way too many pre-union stories of hill camps and mountain passes when I was a girl - India has long been on my wish list too.

Here's hoping your journey remains exciting a stimulating. About 2 years ago I invented a recipe I called Tomatoes Xanadu. I keep meaning to get around to it again so that I can put it on the blog. Essentially it's a tomato jam with the addition of some xanthan gum as a thickener (xanthan gum is a natural product). It was huge fun. "See" you when you get back.

I'm amazed at several things. First, that you have taken the time to write a month's worth of posts for us? Wow! That's dedication. Second, that you are making such a far and wonderful journey to places I marvel ate. India. Tibet. Wow! May the Good Lord bless your journey, keep you safe, and bring people into your lives that will bless you. I look forward to hearing about your trip when you return.

Wow!Mary,hope you enjoy your travels.I just returned from my Europe trip,a trip to the south of France and Italy (Tuscany) is something I really wished for and my dream came true,I went there and had a splendid time.I too am like you,I visit each place with an open mind.I also visited some other places while in Europe.

Enjoy!Don't miss the Delhi Haat,a craft village in New Delhi...if you have time that is.

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